Is Lunesta A Controlled Substance? Eszopiclone Drug Class

Yes, eszopiclone (Lunesta) is a C-IV controlled substance according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Despite this regulation, Lunesta has shown success in clinical trials for the treatment of chronic insomnia.

This medication belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics which affect the central nervous system (CNS). Sedative-hypnotics slow down cognitive activity, allowing the brain to enter into its rest phase. While Lunesta is not controlled, it can be misused.

Why Lunesta Is A Schedule IV Controlled Substance

Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a controlled substance because it has the potential to be abused or lead to dependence. Lunesta works by binding to receptors in the brain that are responsible for inducing sleep. When taken as prescribed, Lunesta is safe and effective.

However, because it can cause drowsiness and impair judgment, it can be abused.

Potential For Abuse

People who abuse sleep aids like Lunesta may take higher doses than prescribed or take it for reasons other than insomnia. The side effects of Lunesta abuse can lead to tolerance and, over time, Lunesta addiction.

The sedative qualities of Lunesta may be attractive to some people as taking the drug in conjunction with other substances, like opioids, can greatly boost the effects of both drugs.

Risk Of Physical Dependence

There is a risk of physical dependence when taking Lunesta, because it is a sedative-hypnotic medication. When people take this type of medication for an extended period of time, they may develop a tolerance to it and need to take higher doses to achieve the same effect.

This can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops taking the medication suddenly.

What Drug Class Is Lunesta?

Lunesta is a Class ‘C’ prescription medication that belongs to the Schedule IV class of controlled substances and is considered a sedative-hypnotic drug.

It is usually given to adults, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet found evidence for the efficacy of prescribing the drug to children.

How Lunesta Works In The Body

Lunesta produces sedative effects by interacting with the central nervous system and binding to a specific site on the GABA receptor.

This action leads to an increase in the amount of GABA inhibitors available in the brain, which in turn leads to a decrease in the activity of the central nervous system.

How Lunesta Compares With Ambien

Lunesta and Ambien are used to treat similar conditions, but the drugs work in different ways and have different side effects. Lunesta does, however, last longer than Ambien.

Some people find that Lunesta is more effective than Ambien, or other sleeping aids like Sonata (Zaleplon), while others find that Ambien is more effective.

Ambien Is A Controlled Substance

While both medications are considered safe when used as prescribed, both Lunesta and Ambien have potential for misuse and eventual addiction.

In general, more risks of misuse are seen with Ambien, which is why Ambien is a controlled substance, while Lunesta is not.

Lunesta Lasts Longer

The main differentiating factor between these two drugs in their treatment of insomnia is the disparity of their half-lives.

The half-life for Lunesta is about six hours, while Ambien’s half-life is approximately three hours.

Different Active Ingredients

The active ingredient in Lunesta is eszopiclone, while the active ingredient in Ambien is zolpidem. Zolpidem is another insomnia-treating medication that can help to fix a number of sleep problems and sleep disorders.

Zolpidem is a shorter-acting drug than eszopiclone, meaning it is less likely to cause next-day drowsiness. Eszopiclone is also more potent, meaning a smaller dose is required for the same effect.

Signs Of A Lunesta Addiction

Like many medications, Lunesta has the potential for misuse and addiction.

Some signs of a potential Lunesta addiction may present themselves as:

• experiencing Lunesta withdrawal symptoms after ceasing use of the medication
• taking Lunesta for longer than advised per medication guides
• continuing to use the medication despite experiencing adverse effects
• ingesting Lunesta as a means to get high instead of using the drug to treat insomnia

Effects Of Abusing Lunesta

There are many serious side effects of abusing Lunesta that can be potentially life-threatening. Using Lunesta against the advice of healthcare professionals is considered unsafe.

Some of the common side effects associated with abusing Lunesta include:

• experiencing rebound insomnia
• extreme drowsiness
• liver disease
• memory loss
• sleepwalking
• chronic dry mouth
• suicidal thoughts
• worsening respiratory function
• aggressive behavior
• overdose death
• impairment of motor function, leading to unconsciousness and potential sleep-driving

Lunesta also has a list of black-labeled drug interactions. Mixing the medication with other substances or supplements can induce allergic reactions and be potentially fatal.

Lunesta Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone has been taking Lunesta regularly for an extended period and stops suddenly, they may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal occurs because the body has become dependent on the medication to regulate sleep and GABA activity in the brain. Common Lunesta withdrawal symptoms include severe rebound insomnia that’s often worse than the original sleep problems, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, tremors, sweating, nausea, and rapid heartbeat.

More severe withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, particularly in people who have been taking high doses or using Lunesta for a long time. Other symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, depression, and intense drug cravings. Because of these risks, it’s important never to stop taking Lunesta abruptly without medical supervision.

Doctors typically recommend gradually tapering the dose over time to minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to adjust safely.

Treatment For Lunesta Addiction

Lunesta addiction requires professional treatment to safely stop using the medication and address underlying sleep issues and addiction patterns. Recovery involves a combination of medical supervision, therapy, and long-term support.

Treatment options for Lunesta addiction:

• medical detoxification with supervised tapering to minimize withdrawal symptoms
• residential treatment for 24/7 support
• outpatient treatment programs for flexibility while living at home
• cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to develop healthy sleep habits
• individual counseling to address underlying anxiety, stress, or trauma
• group therapy for peer support and shared experiences
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
• sleep hygiene education and relaxation techniques
• stress management and coping skills training
• medications to manage withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or insomnia during detox
• aftercare planning including ongoing therapy and support groups
• follow-up medical care to monitor sleep issues and prevent relapse

With proper treatment and support, people can overcome Lunesta addiction, address their sleep problems through healthier methods, and build lasting recovery without dependence on sleep medications.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff